constrict

American  

[kuhn-strikt] / kənˈstrɪkt /

verb (used with object)

1. to draw or press in; cause to contract or shrink; compress.

   Synonyms:

   tighten, bind, squeeze, cramp

   Antonyms:

   expand

2. to slow or stop the natural course or development of.

   Greed and aggressiveness constricted the nation's cultural life.

---

constrict British  

/ kənˈstrɪkt /

verb

1. to make smaller or narrower, esp by contracting at one place

2. to hold in or inhibit; limit

---

Other Word Forms

• nonconstricted adjective
• nonconstricting adjective
• unconstricted adjective
• well-constricted adjective

Etymology

Origin of constrict

1375–1425 for earlier past participle sense; 1725–35 for current senses; late Middle English < Latin constrīctus (past participle of constringere to draw together, tie up), equivalent to con- con- + strīc- (variant stem of stringere to tie; strict ) + -tus past participle suffix

Example Sentences

These two brief scenes quickly and credibly evoke a complex bond, and a family life that constricts in some ways and comforts in others.

From The Wall Street Journal

Barron’s named DexCom a stock pick in July, arguing that it looked ready to recoup its losses after Type 1 sales constricted with a shift to Type 2 population last year.

From Barron's

They are constricted on the one hand by construction that is transforming fields into concrete jungles, and on the other, by impoverished soils and competition from cheap food imports that undermine their revenue.

From Barron's

From there, Lala gets her footing and pulls her rope as tight as she can— constricting her hold on the monster.

From Literature

After DexCom shifted its focus to the Type 2 population last year, Type 1 sales constricted.

From Barron's

Related Words

• circumscribe
• compress
• cramp